The Indian government granted over MVR 7.8 million to Maldives for the construction of an International Convention Centre in Ukulhas, Alif Alif Atoll.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the venture will provide an avenue for the local council, guesthouse owners and business communities to host conferences which will help promote meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism.

The ministry noted that such facilities are currently lacking in the atolls.

India provided the grant assistance through the MVR 100 million granted to Maldives by the India government during the visit of Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj in March, 2019.

The ministry added that the grant assistance will be utilised to conduct high impact socio-economic development projects across the country.